FCC released report anyway: “AT&T had failed to carry its burden in proving that the transaction would be in the public interest” and that the proposed merger, “raised substantial material questions of fact.”

FCC claimed they did not want to be seen as "suppressing information" so released a heavily redacted document to the public immediately.

FCC found: would not create jobs, believes ATT will have 97% LTE with or without T-Mobile

the burden of proof lies on AT&T and Deutsche Telekom to prove that the merger is in the public interest

concerns of anticompetitive effects in 99 of the top 100 wireless markets.

WSJ reports: AT&T and DT have discussed a joint venture should an acquisition bid ultimately fail. This report is not an order of the FCC and has never been voted on. It is simply a staff draft that raises questions of fact that were to be addressed in an administrative hearing, a hearing which will not now take place.

“It has no force or effect under law, which raises questions as to why the FCC would choose to release it. The draft report has also not been made available to AT&T prior to today, so we have had no opportunity to address or rebut its claims, which makes its release all the more improper.” Jim Cicconi, AT&T Senior Executive Vice President-External and Legislative Affairs

Android security researcher Trevor Eckhart Video shows how software developed by mobile-device tracker Carrier IQ logs each keystroke (Stock EVO 3D) and then sends them off to locations unknown. In addition, when Eckhart tried placing a call, Carrier IQ's software recorded each number before the call was even made.

CIQ says does not record keystrokes, provide tracking tools, or inspect "the content of e-mails and SMSs." -- video shows shows how an entire SMS message--"hello world"--was recorded

Eckhardt has been battling Carrier IQ over the software. CIQ at one point sent a C&D but then backed off.

"diagnostic tool" for companies to "improve the quality of the network, understand device issues, and ultimately improve the user experience."

CIQ receives HTTPS strings

"We collect enough information to understand the customer experience with devices on our network and how to address any connection problems, but we do not and cannot look at the contents of messages, photos, videos, etc., using this tool," Sprint told CNET

Carrier IQ's software is running on over 130 million mobile devices worldwide, including those made by Nokia and Research In Motion.

INCOMING

Email

"Do we really need the government involved in managing privacy on a service people use to voluntarily post updates on their drunken exploits, what food they just ate and their current relationship status? Its seems like a slippery slope to me. Unless crime or outright fraud was involved- keep the government away from the net.

How many supposedly outraged Facebook users left the service? Users already have the power within Facebook- you simply click the ""deactivate my account"" link. No FCC required.

That people did not leave in droves just shows how false and temporary their outrage was. If the product is free, then you are the product and apparently Facebook users don't seem to mind. Let's not invite the government to mismanage the internet.

Thanks for the show!

Jason"

"I really enjoyed your Black Friday podcast. I think Tom left out a couple of items on extended warranties that I would like to point out.
Almost all credit cards double your warranty automatically. That means most electronics will be covered for two years. Most retailer's extended warranties cover three years. That means the purchase price is really for one year. That makes it easy to decline.

I was surprised after buying a plan from Best Buy on my iPod. The salesman said if anything went wrong, bring it in and I would get a new one. When something did go wrong I was told that was incorrect, it would be sent out for repair.

I can see two times when extended warranties are good ideas. Applecare not only gives you three years of service, it entitles you to three years of telephone technical support. It also covers all your peripherals. That means the mouse, external DVD drive and Time Capsule you buy with your new MacBook Air are all included.

I think you can also argue that an extended warranty on a big screen TV is practical. The fact that it requires an expensive in home service call could make it a reasonable purchase.
Thanks for the podcasts, it makes my workouts bearable.

Mike in NH"

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Edited by: jason

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